The Pittsburgh Steelers face significant decisions for the 2025 offseason, particularly concerning roster improvements on offense and the future of several key players. Among these decisions is the fate of running back Najee Harris, who is set to become a free agent after the team chose not to pick up his fifth-year option. If the option had been exercised, Harris would have been locked in with the Steelers for the 2025 season. As it stands, he will hit the open market, where his future with the team remains uncertain.
While Harris has been a consistent contributor for Pittsburgh, surpassing 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons, he has not fully lived up to the expectations that come with being a first-round pick. His future with the team has been in question, especially after the Steelers decided not to exercise his option. This opens the door for potential suitors in free agency.
Maxx Crosby, defensive lineman for the Las Vegas Raiders, has already begun recruiting Harris. During an appearance on his podcast, Crosby spoke highly of Harris, calling him a “baller” and praising his toughness and consistency. Crosby noted that Harris’ 1,000-yard seasons make him an impressive player, and he emphasized that players with the right mentality and winning culture, like Harris, are exactly the kind of teammates the Raiders need. Crosby also mentioned their connection, as they share the same agent, and suggested that Harris could fit well in Las Vegas, a team currently in a rebuilding phase.
The Raiders make sense as a potential landing spot for Harris, given their need for a solid running back and their ongoing efforts to rebuild under new leadership. Harris could bring a winning mentality to a team that is trying to regain success. Moreover, Harris has a history of performing well against the Raiders, with his best game in the 2024 season coming in Las Vegas, where he rushed for 106 yards and a touchdown.
It seems increasingly unlikely that the Steelers will retain Harris, as backup Jaylen Warren has often outperformed Harris and is expected to be a cheaper option. Pittsburgh may look to pair Warren with a rookie running back, making it less appealing to invest in Harris with a new, multi-year contract.
Harris will likely have multiple suitors in free agency. The Los Angeles Chargers are another team with a potential need at running back, especially if JK Dobbins, who is also a free agent, demands a high price. While Harris may ultimately re-sign with the Steelers, the chance of him finding a new team, perhaps on the West Coast where he was raised, seems increasingly likely.
Leave a Reply